Microsoft has reiterated its requirement that Windows 10 users must have Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support to upgrade to Windows 11. Senior product manager Steven Hosking described this as a “non-negotiable standard for the future of Windows”.
TPM 2.0 is a dedicated processor on modern computers that provides hardware-based security functions, including encryption key storage and secure authentication. Microsoft announced TPM 2.0 as a mandatory requirement in June 2021 to enhance system security against tampering and sophisticated cyberattacks.
However, some users have found workarounds to bypass this requirement, but Hosking emphasized the importance of TPM 2.0 for future-proofing Windows devices and protecting sensitive information.
Despite concerns from users, Microsoft plans to roll out a one-year option called Extended Security Updates (ESU) for $30, which will allow Windows 10 home users to delay the switch to Windows 11. Specialized devices, like industrial and medical devices, will still receive updates beyond October 2025.
The company has also made progress in rolling out Windows 11 24H2 to more eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2. Users can check for availability by selecting Settings > Windows Update and checking for updates.
Some users have expressed skepticism about the TPM requirement, citing concerns that it’s primarily driven by revenue rather than security concerns. Microsoft has not commented on these claims, but Hosking reiterated the importance of TPM 2.0 in maintaining system integrity.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-says-having-a-tpm-is-non-negotiable-for-windows-11